Major city · United States
Calipatria
Skip unless you're visiting the Salton Sea or Sonny Bono Wildlife Refuge; half a day covers the area.
Calipatria is the lowest city in the western hemisphere, a small desert town in Imperial County. Its main draws are the nearby Salton Sea, Sonny Bono Wildlife Refuge, and Glamis Sand Dunes. Most travellers pass through on the way to El Centro or Palm Springs.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr
- avoid Jun–Sep (extreme heat)
- Airports
- IPL · SAN
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Calipatria911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Calipatria, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyCalipatria is generally safe but isolated.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIPL Imperial County Airport (About 20 min drive; limited commercial flights.).
- Getting aroundCar is essential; no public transit within town.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–4
- Budget bedMotel room (Calipatria Inn and Suites), a night, per roomUS$80
- Mid-range bedMotel room (Calipatria Inn and Suites), a night, per roomUS$100
- High-end bedMotel room (Calipatria Inn and Suites), a night, per roomUS$130
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$50 · Mid US$100 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IPL Imperial County Airport (About 20 min drive; limited commercial flights.) · SAN San Diego International Airport (About 2.5 h drive.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Feb
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Mar
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Apr
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
May
not flagged
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Jun
Avoid
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
Jul
Avoid
42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C)
Aug
Avoid
41°C (106°F)106°F (41°C)
Sep
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Oct
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jan (3 rain days), driest May (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Calipatria: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
3 rd
Feb
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
3 rd
Mar
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2 rd
Apr
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1 rd
May
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
0 rd
Jun
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
0 rd
Jul
42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
1 rd
Aug
41°C (106°F)106°F (41°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
1 rd
Sep
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
1 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1 rd
Dec
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is essential; no public transit within town. California State Route 111 runs through Calipatria.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Salton Sea
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive 10 min north on CA-111
Sonny Bono Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching; check conditions.
Glamis Sand Dunes
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive about 30 min east
Off-road vehicles; bring your own or rent in Brawley.
El Centro
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive 15 min south on CA-111
Larger town with more dining and lodging.
Slab City
cautionDoor to door: About 25 min
Drive about 20 min north on CA-111
Off-grid community; no services. Visit during daylight.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Calipatria town
One motel (Calipatria Inn and Suites); more options in Brawley or El Centro.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $50–80
- Mid
- $80–150
- High
- $150+
Trip budget
| Motel room (Calipatria Inn and Suites)1 × 1 night × US$100 | US$100 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$100 | US$200 |
| Car rental per day2 × US$50 · check | US$100 |
| Fuel per 100 km2 × US$15 · check | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$43 |
| Trip total≈ US$237 per person per day, bed included | US$473 |
check
2026 estimate in USD; car rental and fuel excluded.
Prices of common things
| Motel room (Calipatria Inn and Suites)check | $80–130 |
| Gasoline per galloncheck | $4–5 |
| Fast-food meal | $8–12 |
| Coffee | $2–4 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F); carry water and avoid midday outdoor activity.Summer temperatures exceed 104°F (40°C); carry water and avoid midday outdoor activity.
- Calipatria State Prison is a working prison; no visitor access without prior arrangement.
- The Salton Sea shoreline can have strong odours and unstable ground.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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CalipatriaCalipatria
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Take me to this addressTake me to this address
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Calipatria → El Centro (taxi): about $25–35
- Calipatria → Salton Sea (drive): about 10 min
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much? — How much?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Calipatria. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr · avoid Jun–Sep (extreme heat) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Calipatria
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